State-of-the-art microbiology machine a welcome addition to MMH lab

Medical laboratory technician Stephanie West, at left, and lab manager Dan Lakandili show off the new microbiology machine that arrived at the Melissa Memorial Hospital lab May 18. Lab staff members are excited to begin using the up-to-date technology offered by the MicroScan WalkAway from Beckman Coulter. The instrument identifies microorganisms and antibiotical susceptibility, ultimately giving providers information that they can use to determine the best options for antibiotics when treating patients. The user-friendly machine also has accurate detection of emerging antimicrobial resistance. Lakandili said the new instrument, which used about $65,000 from the capital budget, will replace an old machine that needs to be retired soon. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications